Windows Phone Italy reveals the features for Windows Phone 7.8 and when the update will arrive

Since Windows Phone 8 won't be available as an update to any current Windows 7 or Windows 7.5 phone, it makes the Windows 7.8 update all the more important because it is the 'end of the line' for current Windows Phone models. But that is to be expected now that Windows Phone handsets can have larger screens and multi-core processors. If you own a handset running on Windows Phone 7.5, you're probably wondering when the update to Windows Phone 7.8 is coming, and what you can expect it to include. As you might imagine, this has been a huge secret at Microsoft with the answers to "when" and "what" probably locked inside a drawer, maybe in Studio H next to the mythical Microsoft Surface phone.

The upgrade to 7.8 will be available for versions 7.0 and 7.5 shortly after the marketing of the devices Windows Phone 8. Among the features are the new Start screen, sharing the calendar with the function and Club 'access to key Microsoft services and content, including Xbox Music Store library that can be enjoyed by Zune and Xbox SmartGlass"-Windows Phone Italy.

Thankfully, someone at Windows Phone Italy talked. We're not sure if waterboarding or thumbscrews were used, but the result is that we now know that Windows Phone 7.8 will be available "shortly after" the new Windows Phone 8 devices are marketed. That would seem to be any day now. Keep in mind that this was not an official proclamation. Windows Phone Italy went on to add that the new features of Windows Phone 7.8 include a new start screen, the capability to share the calendar using the "function club", and access to "key services and content Microsoft." This includes the Xbox music store library.

Previously, the only part of the update that was known was the new start screen which is said to be similar to the one that Windows Phone 8 users will have. Some leaks have appeared over the last few months, some showing videos of the new start screen and a chart that shows what new features from Windows Phone 8 will and won't be included in Windows Phone 7.8. According to this chart, the update includes the new smaller sized Live Tiles, Wi-Fi tethering and improvements to the camera. Hopefully, with the Windows Phone 8 launch out of the way, Microsoft will now have the time to move forward with Windows 7.8.

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As one of the single digit % of Smart phone users who loves his WP 7.5, I say something is better then nothing. I am happy to be getting the 7.8, even though it seems the low number of features is a bit of the bone to us early adopters.

The worst part of this deal is for those who have picked up WP's in the last 5 months, which now have to wait until mid-2014 (or 2015 in three year contracts) and are worried support is done after this. Nokia has promised WP 7.5 support for an additional 18 months after the 7.8 update, so 710, 800, and 900 users are okay. In addition, Nokia is releasing low end 7.X devices, so you know they see it as a viable option.

Samsung, HTC, Fujitsu, and all the rest of the WP manufacturers? No such promises.

Nicely put. On at&t, typically customers get an exception upgrade which consist of a partial discount after 6months of service. Im going to sell my phone, then use my exception upgrade and get the Lumia 920 for about $149-200 still. Works out for me!

I'm all in with Windows Phone after trying every single OS and yes Android was fun for a while. But after I tried Windows Phone that was it. It was love. I love my Titan and have no problem waiting for a new contract to get a new phone. The only thing I ask is that they update the first and faithful in a timely manner.

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